Greg Goddard, general manager of Gunstock and Gilford, said the weather could not be cooperating more and the timing could not be better.

The Lakes Region ski area reported a foot of new snow in the valley on Gunstock's Nordic terrain and about 15 inches at the summit overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee.

"We are still able to make snow and will be opening a lot more terrain tomorrow," said Goddard, as he looked out on the base area, packed with skiers and snowboarders loading a half dozen lifts.

The tubing hill was also doing a brisk business and a line of more than 40 people was waiting to buy half day tickets for $56. The full day ticket was $72.

Wearing her pointy princess hat with streamer on top her helmet, 4-year-old Taylor Coolidge of Georgetown, Mass., was out making tracks in the powder with her family.

She said she was very happy with all the new snow and bombed down some of the rolling terrain in front of her, worrying her father.

"Now turn honey, this time," he said, as the little girl went over a knoll, making perfect wedged turns.

At Waterville Valley, the story was much the same with parking lots near full by 9 a.m.

Images: Gunstock Mountain packed after storm

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(Photo by Paula Tracy)

Taylor Cooldige, 4, of Georgetown, Mass. bombs down the trails with her family, at Gunstock, in Gilford, Friday, and said she really was having fun in the 12 to 15 inches of new powder snow. The region's ski resorts were packed, Friday and expect a very strong long weekend of business thanks to all the new natural snow.

While most ski areas in New Hampshire were reporting an average of a foot of snow, Vermont areas received about 6 more inches.

"We sure did hit the jackpot!" said Sarah Neith, spokesman for the Vermont Ski Areas Association.

"What great timing. I’ve skied that last three days in wonderful new snow," and the rest of the Christmas holiday period is still ahead.

"Vermont resorts are enjoying up to 3 feet of fluff that fell over the last week, and are excited about the prospects of even more falling this weekend. At this point, it’s possible that we’ll be celebrating 2013 with 100 percent open terrain – not a bad way to start the new year," she said.

"Nordic resorts are also reaping the benefits with 13 openings over the last week and more in the plans. Winter has finally arrived in Vermont and we’re embracing it with open arms!"

Tom Hawley, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, said a coastal storm that was still developing Friday afternoon would likely touch the region beginning mid-day Saturday moving from the coast inland and north. He said Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont could see between two to four inches.

"But if for some reason it decides to track about 150 miles inland, we could be looking at 8 to 10 inches," Hawley said. "So stay tuned."